- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:35 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
In a shocking turn of events, five members of a family, including three women, were burnt alive in Purnia after being branded as witches (dayan) on July 8, 2025. The incident highlights a grim reality: cases of witch-related violence against women continue to rise in Bihar despite the Bihar Prevention of Witch Practices Act completing 25 years.
Marking the occasion, a state-level discussion was organised on Tuesday, September 15, at Chanakya Hotel by Nirantar Trust, Delhi; the Gender Resource Centre, Chanakya Law University; and the Bihar Mahila Federation.
Addressing the event, Dr Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of Chanakya Law University, cited NCRB data showing that more than 2,500 women have been killed in India since 2000 after being accused of witchcraft.
In 2020 alone, 797 women lost their lives; the numbers were 629 in 2023 and 621 in 2024. Between January and May 2025, Bihar recorded 197 such cases, of which police confirmed 165. Social organisations, however, believe the actual numbers are much higher.
Speakers at the discussion questioned whether the Prevention Act has been effective in curbing violence against women. Archana Dwivedi, Director of Nirantar, said that beyond killings, a large number of women continue to face daily humiliation and persecution due to such accusations.
Prof Apsara, Chairperson of the Bihar Women’s Commission, stressed the need to extend awareness programmes to every district, adding that women deserve dignity and the Commission is committed to providing support.